Friends, family, and volunteers cheered on the 19 children participating in Christ the King Lutheran Church’s Second Annual Fishing Derby on Saturday, April 27.

Held at the small pond right next to Christ the King Lutheran Church, the fishing derby was for children ages four to fourteen accompanied with a parent or guardian and open to everyone regardless of previous fishing experience. There were also 15 volunteers at the event ready to help anyone at a moment’s notice.

Christ the King Lutheran Church Pastor Rob Morris said that the sunny weather and slight breeze made it “the perfect day” to hold the derby. Above all else, Morris was happy to see the community come together and have fun. To him, the derby is an event for the community, by the community.

“No matter what’s caught, everybody’s excited when someone catches something,” Morris said.

Everyone was encouraged before the event to bring their own lawn chairs to make themselves comfy alongside coolers with ice to store their catches.

People positioned themselves at various points around the pond to find their lucky spot. Whether their spot was on the fresh green grass or on the tiny island connected by a small wooden bridge, everyone found a place to relax, enjoy each other’s company, and try to catch fish.

The pond was stocked with 95 rainbow trout and five golden trout the day before the event, and if anybody caught the rare golden trout, then they would get a special prize. All the fish came from local private trout hatchery Rowledge Pond Aquaculture.

Participants could win several awards, including first catch, last catch, most fish caught, biggest fish caught, and unluckiest fisherman. Bounty Hunters Custom Bait and Tackle donated five fishing rods as prizes for the award winners. The special prize was a certificate for one kid and one adult to go on a free fishing charter trip through Blackhawk Sport Fishing in Niantic.

Hosting the event was far from a solo endeavor. According to Morris, Tom Hope and Ken Westerfield were the champions of wanting to help set up a fishing derby. Morris also gave his thanks to Gary Gollenberg, who manned the grill to make any hungry attendees egg and cheese breakfast sandwiches, and Kirsten Balancia for their help in coordinating the event.

Morris said he was overjoyed with the event turnout and hopes to continue holding the event annually.

“We’ll definitely keep doing this. I mean it’s worthwhile; everyone’s out here having so much fun,” Morris said. “We’ll keep trying to offer whatever we think people will enjoy and make use of the beautiful space God gave us.”

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Reporter Jenna Visca can be reached at jenna@thebee.com.